Classic Transportation and Warehousing is investing $5.3M to construct a 145,000-square-foot warehouse adjacent to their corporate campus in Leighton Township, Allegan County. The new facility will include food grade storage, office space and a transportation terminal. Space will be available to lease January 2021. Read more
$15 million in grant funding available for Michigan's farms and food processors to implement COVID-19 monitoring and mitigation strategies to protect agricultural employees and the state's overall food production industry. These grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more and apply HERE.
Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program matches funds up to $10,000 for businesses of 250 employees or fewer to implement training and health related safety improvements. Click HERE for the program brochure and click HERE to apply through August 7.
$3.5 million in grant funding is available for eligible small businesses of 50 employees or fewer in Allegan and Ottawa counties. Thirty percent of the funding will go to women, minority and veteran-owned businesses. Each grant is for up to $20k. Applications close August 5.
Learn more and apply HERE.
Lowe's committed $55 million towards Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC's) emergency fund for small businesses. The focus of the grants will be minority owned or rural businesses. Companies can apply for up to $20,000 in support. Applications close August 3.
Learn more and apply HERE.
The Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC) helps manufacturers, including those whose sales have been directly hurt by imports and recent pandemic challenges. Click HERE to see the types of projects they assist with or email GLTAAC project manager Scott Phillips to learn more.
Recent Bright Spots and News of Note
Celebrating what makes West Michigan a great place to live, work, learn, grow and start a business.
BizStream released SymReport, a mobile-friendly employee symptom reporting and tracking app for businesses to run confidently and safely.
FoggFiller launched a new air sanitizer, adapting their patented food packaging sanitizer technology to disinfect the air we breathe.
Local Presence, National Recognition
Gentex was recently named a General Motors Supplier of the Year. It is the 21st time Gentex has received the award in the award's 28 year history.
HireReach, an evidence-based selection process developed by Talent 2025 and West Michigan Works! was featured by Brookings Institute. Highlighted was Mercy Health's 23% turnover reduction using this equity in hiring program.
Ottawa County is seeking nominations for the Excellence in Equity Award now through August 31 recognizing individuals who impact the public sector field. Submit entries HERE.
Ron Lewis, president of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, reflects on leading a nationally recognized health system halfway through this history making year, recognizing the strong support and diligence from the community. Read more
Lakeshore Advantage investor support positively impacts the region's economic health. Contact Beth Blanton at beth.blanton@lakeshoreadvantage.com to learn more.
This news and events update was sent to you as a service of Lakeshore Advantage. We send communications on a regular basis to keep you up-to-date on information that may be helpful to you as a West Michigan primary employer. Please direct questions, comments and future submissions to Emily Staley at emily.staley@lakeshoreadvantage.com.
